Light at the end of the tunnel for ongoing issues at Waterford park
People's Park. Photo by Joe Evans
Lighting in the People’s Park is to go to public consultation this autumn.
That was according to Senior Executive Officer in the Environment Department Dawn Wallace, at the February sitting of the Metropolitan District Council.
Ms Wallace was responding to Councillor Jason Murphy, who asked for an update on the ongoing issues.
She said they were in talks with the planning consultants.
“There have been some delays due to operational pressures on the engineers and the horticultural team, but we are anticipating going to public consultation by autumn,” said Ms Wallace.
Cllr Joanne Bailey raised “a long list” of issues at the park.
She said dogs off leash is a big issue in the amenity.
She asked the council to provide more signage and waste bags.
Ms Wallace responded that dogs are the responsibility of their owners.
“You know people are required to be in control of their dogs. More signage is just not going to be right for the park.
“Dog waste bags. No, we will not be providing those in the park. People are legally required to carry dog waste bags if they have a dog with them, that is what they should do,” said Ms Wallace.
Cllr Bailey also asked that the surface at the gym area, which is currently made from woodchippings be resurfaced.
She said she was not in favour of the chippings and thinks it needs a different surface.
Ms Wallace said the gym area is inspected weekly by the council and monthly by an external company.
She said if it needs replacing, they will do so but doesn’t think a hard surface would be appropriate.
Cllr Bailey asked if there were plans to install a drinking water fountain in the park.
Ms Wallace said they were waiting for project funding for water fountains in public spaces.
“But we will keep that in mind, and it is certainly on the agenda,” said Ms Wallace.
Finally, Cllr Bailey said there are issues with flooding in the park that affect children’s access when walking to school.
“Every time it rains, it holds water for days, and children are jumping up over the wall because they can’t use the path," said Cllr Bailey, who commented that additionally, when the weather is poor, the area around the bins becomes muddy and needs to be concreted.
Ms Wallace said the weather needs to be better before they can lay concrete.
